Had the Prime been available in May 2016, I would have gotten it. I like the BMW but the gas range and engine efficiency is too low. I have thoughts about how to improve both BUT it is under manufacturer warranty and I don't want to risk it until closer to January 2019. If I do make BMW i3 mods, it will be as 'kits' to augment my retirement. Bob Wilson
If the current TSS-P and TSS-Plus packages now standard on the Liftback were available in May 2016 what would have been your choice? Liftback or Prime?
TSS-P was on all but one trim in the 2016 Prius, the Level 2 ECO. So I did a test drive on the Level 3 with TSS-P and found the MPG too low. I then bought the used, 2014 BMW i3-REx for the same price and never looked back. Bob Wilson
TSS-P was not available on the 2016 Level 2 at all. To get TSS-P and a spare I would have had to buy a Level 3 with an additional package.
I was only interested in the Level 2 ECO. The Level 3 I test drove had that d*mn moonroof instead of MPG. You may have noticed I bring up TSS-P with the advocates of non-Prius rides. Just like Toyota did in 2010, the honorable competition requires a top of the line trim and special order that easily adds $3k to the price. Actually more because there is almost no negotiation on a special order car. Bob Wilson
As of 2017.5 TSS-Plus is standard too, adding Blind Spot Monitoring and some other features. With your Prime side mirrors BSM is not likely needed. Ignoring cost, I wonder if those mirrors would fit the Gen 4 Liftback.
Yeah, the local dealer here has my $500.00 "yeah I'm serious" check, so I guess I'll wait. It's agony for sure. I've read everything I can get my hands on 3-4 times, watched all the videos, etc. When the vehicle does arrive, it's going to be anti-climatic.
It's easy to get that impression. But looking back at the thousands of others who went through the same thing years ago, that's definitely not the case.
This is the first time I ever "had" to order a vehicle to get what I wanted. I was surprised at the time delay and how late it was running into the year even with a June 30 order. I had mental plans for it much quicker than that. Oh well, it'll get here when it does. I was able to get my 2010 (during the shortage) when I did by accepting something on the lot I was not 100% satisfied with. I wanted the tech package, etc. but had to settle for no Bluetooth or other inside creature features. It's been a great car, but due to circumstances, I had to have a vehicle right then. Our other two vehicles are perfectly outfitted with the right tech which is only a reminder of what I didn't get in the 2010. Now, I can wait to get exactly what I want.
Thanks for the info, still waiting for it to release in my province. When the EV range is at 0, can you use the hybrid regenerative braking to create range for the EV ? just curious. Thanks
Yes. There is also a CHARGE mode, where you can have the engine generate electricity for EV use later.
Does the car come with the home charger or is that an optional accessory ? So the Prime ev port can take level 1 and level 2 chargers. Lastly, remind me if I am wrong, the top Prime package has power folding side mirrors and power tailgate ? Thanks